Inductive power adapter

ABSTRACT

An inductive power systems transfers energy by inductively coupling a source coil on a power source to a receiver coil on a power portion of a power adapter. The source current is received in the power adapter and converted to direct current for transmission to a computer system. Wireless communication between a power source and the power adapter is provided. A wireless communication arrangement provides for authentication of devices that are allowed by a source to be powered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to application Ser. No. 10/______(Atty. Docket No. 003797.00690), entitled “Inductively Charged BatteryPack,” and filed on Dec. 12, 2003; which is related to ApplicationSerial No. 10/______ (Atty. Docket No. 003797.00692), entitled“Inductive Battery Charger,” and filed on Dec. 12, 2003, each of whichis incorporated by reference herein as to their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to power supplies for electronicapparatus. More particularly, aspects of the present invention pertainto an inductive power adapter for receiving inductive energy to powerelectronic apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer systems have become increasingly popular in modern society.Conventional computer systems, especially computer systems usinggraphical user interface (GUI) systems, accept user input from aconventional input device, such as a keyboard for entering text, and apointing device, such as a mouse for operating the graphical userinterface. The processing capabilities of computers have increased theefficiency and productivity of workers in a wide range of professions.Marketing staff, corporate executives, professionals and others usemobile computers to easily transport their data and work with computersout of the office or on travel.

The popularity of portable electronic devices allow users to work andplay free of restrictive power cords and chargers for a limited periodof time. As people work outside of their traditional office, they oftenfind themselves using their notebook computers, cellular phones, digitalassistants and tablet computers. Similarly, people enjoying themselvesaway from the home take advantage of portable music players, digitalcameras, electronic game systems and the like while on travel or doingoutdoors activities.

Rechargeable batteries are used for portable electronic devices, such asportable computing systems, video cameras, and mobile phones. Whileusers attempt to operate with the freedom of mobile computing, there arestill basically tethered to the power cable. The users must think abouthow much power is available for mobile use. This time period is limitedto the type of battery and other factors. Users often carry power cablesand AC power adapters with them so they can physically connect toelectronic power for recharging when the battery power gets too low.These users must search for electrical plug locations that may be ininconvenient places and potentially create risk hazards for other peoplewho might walk into the power cords. Still at other times, the user mayfumble with various types of power connectors for the specificelectronic device. Additionally, users often carry supplemental poweradapters to replace the depleted energy of the battery. Besides thegeneral inconvenience of carrying additional power adapters, theseactions create additional problems, including wasting space in cases andincreasing the weight load a user must carry. Thus, the mobile computinguser still does not receive the freedom of portable computing.

To replace rechargeable batteries, a contactless power supply may beused in commercial aircraft. In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,489,745 toKories describes a contactless power supply for a laptop computer with aseatback tray of a commercial aircraft. This patent is incorporated byreference. The power supply of Kories has several drawbacks. There is noactive communication between the power supply and the seatback. Unwantedflux could be sent to metallic objects. Further, the system of Korieswould damage current mobile device designs and does not allow for deviceindependence for powering.

In view of the foregoing, what is needed is an apparatus and method tosupport user interaction for an untethered environment for the new mediatechnologies and productivity activities for mobile electronic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention provide inductive power arrangementsenabling user convenience in wireless power environments for mobiledevices and communications devices. An inductive power system transfersenergy by inductively coupling a source coil on a power source to areceiver coil on a power adapter. Aspects of the present inventionenable communication between a power source and the power adapter whichmaximizes the flexibility, efficiency or safety of the inductive powerarrangements. Aspects of the present invention provide for wirelesslycommunicating operating parameters between a source and a power adapter.A wireless communication arrangement may also provide for authenticationof devices that are allowed by the source to be powered.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be readily apparent and fully understood from thefollowing detailed description illustrative embodiments in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, which are included by way of example,and not by way of limitation with regard to the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an illustrative general-purposedigital computing environment in which one or more aspects of thepresent invention may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation diagram of a pen-computing systemaccording to one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an illustrative inductive powersystem according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an illustrative data structure according toone or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a first illustrative powering processaccording to one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a second illustrative powering processaccording to one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an alternative inductive powersystem according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation diagram of an inductive powersystem according to one or more aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a plan schematic view of an alternative inductive power sourceaccording to one or more aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is divided into sub-sections to assist thereader. The subsections include Overview; Illustrative Host OperatingEnvironment; System Environment; Illustrative Data Structure;Illustrative Operating Environment; and Alternative Systems.

Overview

Aspects of the present invention provide inductive power arrangementenabling user convenience in wireless power environments for mobilecomputing and mobile communications devices. An inductive power systemtransfers energy by inductively coupling a source coil on a power sourceto a receiver coil of an inductive power adapter. Current flows throughthe source coil and the resulting magnetic flux induces an alternatingcurrent through the magnetic field and across the receiver coil,completing an energy transfer circuit. The source AC current is receivedin the power adapter and converted to direct current for transfer to aconnected host device. Aspects of the present invention enablecommunication between an inductive power source and the power adapterwhich maximizes the flexibility, efficiency or safety of the inductivepower solutions. Aspects of the present invention provide for wirelesslycommunicating operating parameters. A wireless communication arrangementmay also provide for authentication of devices that are allowed by thesource to receive power.

In an illustrative aspect, a smart inductive power system may include achargepad or powerdock and a smart power adapter unit within a device inneed of power. The powerdock may listen for devices needing power withinproximity of at least some of its energy transfer coils. A deviceequipped with the smart power adapter in range of the powerdock maywirelessly negotiate and transmit power requirements, such as maximumcharge rate. Once the negotiation is complete, the powerdock mayenergize its coils closest to the smart power adapter and inductivelytransfer power to the device in accordance with device requirements.This solves several safety drawbacks associated with high fieldinductive power systems and promotes the use of sophisticated mobileelectronics with varying power requirements serviceable through a commonchargepad or powerdock. Additionally, the inductive power adaptersolution provides a method for existing mobile devices to take advantageof inductive power sources without modification to the device or itsbattery pack.

In an illustrative aspect, an apparatus transmits inductive energy to apower adapter. The power adapter may include a microprocessor forprocessing data relevant to the inductive energy. A memory may beprovided in the apparatus for storing computer readable instructionsrelevant to the power adapter. A processor unit may be operativelycoupled to the memory. A transmission element in the apparatus may beoperatively coupled to the processor so as to provide the inductiveenergy to the power adapter.

In another illustrative aspect, an adapter apparatus may be configuredfor receiving inductive energy. The adapter may include a processor unitfor processing computer readable data relevant to the inductive energyand for processing data communications with a computer system. A coilmay be configured for receiving the inductive energy. A power supply maybe operatively coupled to the processor unit and the coil. Ann the powersupply may be configured to output a direct current responsive to theinductive energy.

In an illustrative aspect, a computer system may be configured tooperate with a power adapter. The computer system may include aprocessor, a display coupled to the processor, and a memory coupled tothe processor. The memory is configured to store computer executableinstruction that cause that the computer system to perform the steps ofreceiving an event relevant to an inductively powering a power adapterand adjusting a portion of the display to indicate the event. Theadjusting feature may include displaying a graphical object on thedisplay in which the graphical object can be icon and the like.

In an illustrative aspect, a computer implemented method is provided forpowering a power adapter. A polling message is received from a source. Arequest for power message is transmitted to the source. And inductivepower is received from a source. In another aspect, authenticating datacan be transmitted to the source. Thus, a power adapter can receiveelectrical power through a trusted arrangement.

Illustrative Host Operating Environment

Various aspects of the present invention may at least be described inthe general context of apparatus and computer-executable instructions,such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or otherdevices. Accordingly, it may be helpful to briefly discuss thecomponents and operation of a general purpose computing environment onwhich various aspects of the present invention may be implemented. Ahost device system 100 can be used for processing data and communicatingwith a power adapter 304(See FIG. 3). Such an illustrative host systemenvironment is shown in FIG. 1.

Accordingly, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an illustrativegeneral-purpose digital computing environment that may be used toimplement various aspects of the present invention. In FIG. 1, acomputer 100 includes a processing unit 110, a system memory 120, and asystem bus 130 that couples various system components including thesystem memory to the processing unit 110. The system bus 130 may be anyof several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofbus architectures. The system memory 120 includes read only memory (ROM)140 and random access memory (RAM) 150.

A basic input/output system 160 (BIOS), containing the basic routinesthat help to transfer information between elements within the computer100, such as during start-up, is stored in the ROM 140. The computer 100also includes a hard disk drive 170 for reading from and writing to ahard disk (not shown), a magnetic disk drive 180 for reading from orwriting to a removable magnetic disk 190, and an optical disk drive 191for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk 192, such as aCD ROM or other optical media. The hard disk drive 170, magnetic diskdrive 180, and optical disk drive 191 are connected to the system bus130 by a hard disk drive interface 192, a magnetic disk drive interface193, and an optical disk drive interface 194, respectively. The drivesand their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storageof computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, andother data for the personal computer 100. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of computer readable mediathat may store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magneticcassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoullicartridges, compact flash cards, smart media, random access memories(RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like, may also be used in theexample operating environment.

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk drive 170,magnetic disk 190, optical disk 192, ROM 140, or RAM 150, including anoperating system 195, one or more application programs 196, otherprogram modules 197, and program data 198. A user may enter commands andinformation into the computer 100 through input devices, such as akeyboard 101 and a pointing device 102. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner,or the like. These and other input devices often are connected to theprocessing unit 110 through a serial port interface 106 that is coupledto the system bus 130, but may be connected by other interfaces, such asa parallel port, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB). Furtherstill, these devices may be coupled directly to the system bus 130 viaan appropriate interface (not shown). A monitor 107 or other type ofdisplay device is also connected to the system bus 130 via an interface,such as a video adapter 108.

In addition to the monitor 107, personal computers typically includeother peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers andprinters. As one example, a pen digitizer 165 and accompanying pen oruser input device 166 are provided in order to digitally capturefreehand input. The pen digitizer 165 may be coupled to the processingunit 110 via the serial port interface 106 and the system us 130, asshown in FIG. 1, or through any other suitable connection. Furthermore,although the digitizer 165 is shown apart from the monitor 107, theusable input area of the digitizer 165 may be co-extensive with thedisplay area of the monitor 107. Further still, the digitizer 165 may beintegrated in the monitor 107, or may exist as a separate deviceoverlaying or otherwise appended to the monitor 107.

The computer 100 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer109. The remote computer 109 may be a server, a router, a network PC, apeer device, or other common network node, and typically includes manyor all of the elements described above relative to the computer 100,although only a memory storage device 111 with related applicationsprograms 196 have been illustrated in FIG. 1. The logical connectionsdepicted in FIG. 1 include a local area network (LAN) 112 and a widearea network (WAN) 113. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 100 is connectedto the local network 112 through a network interface or adapter 114.When used in a WAN networking environment, the personal computer 100typically includes a modem 115 or other means for establishing acommunications link over the wide area network 113, e.g., to theInternet. The modem 115, which may be internal or external, is connectedto the system bus 130 via the serial port interface 106. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the personal computer100, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storagedevice.

It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areillustrative and other techniques for establishing a communications linkbetween the computers may be used. The existence of any of variouswell-known protocols such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like ispresumed, and the system may be operated in a client-serverconfiguration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-basedserver. Any of various conventional web browsers may be used to displayand manipulate data on web pages.

FIG. 2 illustrates a mobile pen-based computing system 201 that may beused in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Any orall of the features, subsystems, and functions in the system of FIG. 1may be included in the computing system of FIG. 2. Pen-based computingsystem 201 includes a display surface 202, e.g., a digitizing flat paneldisplay, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, on which aplurality of windows 203 is displayed.

System Environment

Inductive power system arrangements in accordance with one or moreaspects of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 3-9. Referring toFIG. 3, an inductive power system 300 may include an inductive powersource 302 that wirelessly provides electrical power to an inductivepower adapter 304. The inductive power adapter 304 may be physicallyconnected to the host device 100 while being powered by the inductivepower source 302. The host device 100 need not be aware of the inductivepower source. The inductive power adapter 304 may include a housing forenclosing the electrical components therein. The adapter 304 housing maybe provided in any appropriate shape and may fit into a battery port oftypical portable electronic devices. Thus, the power adapter is able towork with virtually any portable electronic device that is adapted tooperate with electric battery power, such as mobile computers, personneldigital assistants, cellular phones and the like.

Referring to FIG. 3, the inductive power source 302 may be electricallyconnected to an alternating current power source, such as utilityelectrical power and the like. In such an arrangement, inductive powersource 302 may include a power supply 306 that receives electric energyvia the conventional method of a cord physically coupled to a standardwall electrical outlet (not shown) for 60 Hz, 120 volt power, oralternatively, 50 Hz at 230 volts and other frequency/voltagecombinations. The inductive power source 302 may include one or morepower transmission coils 312 operatively coupled to the power supply306. The operative coupling may include any form of network connectionincluding physical wiring and/or logical connections, and the like.

The power adapter 304 may be configured to receive electrical energyfrom inductive source 302. In one arrangement shown in FIG. 3, poweradapter 304 includes a power pickup coil 324 that is operatively coupledto a power supply 320. Power pickup coil 324 receives inductive energyfrom the power transmission coil 312 of inductive source 302. The powersupply 320 of power adapter 304 provides electrical energy to the hostdevice 100 via a power port or communications bus 328. The power supply320 may convert the AC current to direct current for use with the hostdevice 100.

In one arrangement, power supply 306 of inductive power source 302 maybe configured to convert the frequency of the alternating line currentfrom 50/60 Hz to a higher frequency for inductively transferring energyfrom the power transmission coil 312 to the power pickup coil 324 ofpower adapter 304. The power supply 320 of power adapter 304 may beconfigured receive the transmission frequency. The specific frequenciesof transmission can be varied, i.e. for instance within the range of 500Hz to 10 KHz. Nevertheless, other frequencies can be used. In oneoperation, power adapter 304 may be brought proximate or juxtaposed tothe inductive power source 302. The power transmission coil 312 of thepower source 302 and the power pickup coil 324 of the power adapter 304are then inductively coupled by an alternating current at anyappropriate frequency to transfer the electrical power.

The inductive power source 302 may include a microprocessor controller308. Likewise, the power adapter 304 may also include a microprocessorcontroller 316. The controller 308 may be configured for controlling thepower supply 306 for different modes of operation, processing andstoring data. Likewise, controller 316 may be configured for modes ofoperation, receiving, transmitting and storing data and performingmathematic calculations to provide power to host device 100.Additionally, controller 308 and controller 316 are enabled to havefeatures of authentication and security. Controller 308 and controller316 may have computer-readable media 415 (see FIG.4), which providesnonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, and other data relevant for power operations. Otherexamples of computer-readable media include flash memory, random accessmemories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like. The controller316 may also include an integrated analog to digital converter (notshown) for monitoring environmental parameters of the power supply, suchas temperature, voltage and current. In such as arrangement, theappropriate analog sensing devices may used (not shown).

In one arrangement, controller 316 may be implemented with one or morefeatures of a system management bus configuration. It is believed thesefeatures have not been implemented before for inductive powerarrangement or inductive power adapters. For example, the communicationbus 328 may be configured as a system management bus (SMbus). The SystemManagement Bus can be used to inform a data processing system, such ashost device 100 or computer 201, as to a wide range of information aboutthe power adapter 304, e.g., current, and voltage. In the case ofinductive power adapter 304, no charging battery is needed within theadapter. The SMBus is a two-wire interface system through which aprocessor within a power adapter 304 can bi-directional communicate withthe rest of a computer system, such as host device 100. One wire handlesthe data transfer and the second wire is the clock. Controller 316 maycontain computer readable data programmed by the manufacturer, such as apower adapter ID number, serial number, manufacturer's name and date ofmanufacture. This data can be used by the inductive power source 302 fornovel power operations according to aspects of the present invention. Ifdesired, controller 308 may be implemented with one or more features ofsystem management bus. An example a system management bus appears to inthe system management bus specification revision 2.0 standard availablefrom the SBS Implementers Forum.

In an alternative arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the power supply 320 canprovide direct current as an output to the host device 100, and thepower supply 320 may be operable as an SMBus device. In thisarrangement, power supply 320 may be in logical communications with hostdevice 100, or controller 316. In one example, power supply 320 can beenabled to perform events to the host device 100 with regard toinductive power. Nonetheless, controller 316 as a SMbus operable devicecan provide an event as well, with regard to inductive power. In anotherexample, host device 100 can be configured to receive any or all of thedata programmed into the controller 316, or from a separate memory415(see FIG. 4). The data may include power adapter ID number, serialnumber, manufacturer's name, or date of manufacture associated with thepower adapter 304. This data can be used by the host device 100 forvarious operations such as, for display, data security, or configurationof the adapter 304 and the like. Alternatively, the inductive powersource 302 may include components therein configured as SMBus devices.For example, power supply 306, controller 308, or modem 310 may be SMBusoperable devices. It will be appreciated that the connections shown inFIG. 3 are illustrative and other applicable techniques for establishinga communications link between the components may used. For example, theconnections shown in FIG. 3 between the controller 316 and power supply320; between the controller 316 and host device 100; and between thepower supply 320 and host device 100 are illustrative and othertechniques for establishing a communications link between the componentsmay used.

In one arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the inductive power source 302 andthe power adapter 304 may be configured for wireless datacommunications. The inductive power source 302 may include acommunication device 310, such as a modem or network interface device.Likewise, the power adapter 304 may also include communications device318, such as a modem or network interface device. For ease ofexplanation, the communication device is referred herein to as a modem.The modem 310, 318 may be configured for power line carriercommunications. In such a configuration, modem 310, 318 are operativelycoupled to the respective coils 312, 324. Modem 310, 318 may be adaptedto modulate and demodulate signals appropriate to the frequency suppliedby the power supply 306, 320 to receive and transmit data. Thus, thepower transmission coil 312 of the power source 302 and the power pickupcoil 324 of power adapter 304 are used to provide inductive datacommunications over an inductive pathway. In one arrangement, the modems310, 318 may be implemented with power line networking technology inaccordance with the HOMEPLUG 1.0 Standard Specification available fromthe Homplug Powerline Alliance located at San Ramon, Calif., USA. Forexample, under a homeplug implementation, the modems may use a burstmode form of orthogonal frequency-division (OFDM) multiplexing with aforward error-correction scheme. OFDM is a well known technique inindustry. The media access (MAC) protocol in a homeplug configuration isbased on the well-known carrier sense multiple access with collisionavoidance (CSMA/CA) protocol. Rates of data transfer can be upwards of14 Mbps, if desired. Nevertheless, a wide range of other well-knownpower line networking technologies could be used, such as X-10 protocoland frequency-shift keying schemes used for internetworking within homesvia the power lines. Advantageously, power adapter 304 and inductivepower source 302 can be electrically coupled for wireless energytransfer functionality and data communications to wirelessly communicateoperating parameters, such as voltage or maximum expected powerconsumption and the like.

Illustrative Data Structure

FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a data structure 400which can be transmitted between the modems 310, 318. Data structure 400may include an address 402, a header 404, and a payload 406. Address 402includes data for the specific power adapter being charged. This isuseful in multiple power adapter environments because different poweradapters can have different power requirements for the host device beingserved. The header 404 includes general data to be used by thecontroller 308, controller 316, and modems 310, 318. The payload 406contents specific data to be used by the controllers relevant to thepower operation. Such data would include operating parameters, such asvoltage and maximum expected power consumption. Nevertheless, thepayload 406 may include other data, such as authentication information.Data structure 400 may be implemented with well-known powerlinenetworking technology and/or encapsulated in another structure ofpackets for transmission, such as Bluetooth protocol, homeplug, or X-10protocols and the like.

Illustrative Operational Environment

In one arrangement, controller 316 may contain computer readable dataprogrammed by the manufacturer or other entity, such as a power adapterID number, serial number, manufacturer's name and/or date ofmanufacture. Various aspect of the noted data may be used by theinductive power source 302 for novel power operations according toaspects of the present invention, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example communications powering process accordingto one or more aspects of the present invention that enablescommunication between a power source and the inductive power adapter.Various aspects of the present invention may at least be described inthe general context of apparatus and computer-executable instructions,such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or otherdevices, such as microprocessors. For example, controller 308 andcontroller 316 may have computer-readable media 415, which providesnonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, and other data relevant for charging operations. In onearrangement, inductive power source 302 and inductive power adapter 304may be configured for wireless data communications as well as energytransfer. Accordingly, inductive power source 302 may be configured topoll for other devices, such as the power adapter 304.

In FIG. 5, steps 500-510 illustrate a negotiation process in whichcommunications and power requirements can be established between theinductive power source 302 and the inductive power adapter 304. To startthe process, in step 500, the inductive power source 302, in a low poweror broadcast mode, polls for compatible devices through one or more ofthe power transmission coils 312 and listens for replies from thedevices, such as power adapter 304. In a polling operation, powertransmission coil 312 can be energized and de-energized in a regularperiodic fashion. For example, the energizing and de-energizing periodrange between any appropriate value, such as 100-1000 ms, or 1-60 sec.This periodic arrangement can conserve energy. It should be recognizedthat the controller 308 generates communication signals in the source302 and the signals are converted for power line modulation by the modem308. The communication signals are routed from the modem 308 to thepower transmission coil 312 for transmission to the power pickup coil324.

In step 502, the power adapter 304 has at least a listening mode and apower receiving mode. In the listening mode, the power adapter 304, viacontroller 316, is configured to listen for a power source through thepower pickup coil 324. In generally, the power adapter 304 may bebrought a proximate distance to the inductive power source 302. Once thetransmission coil 312 and pickup coil 324 are in close enough proximityto establish communications and inductive coupling, the power supply 320can general sufficient current to power the controller 316 and modem318, the communication signals received by the pickup coil 324 arede-modulated by the modem 308 and routed to the controller 316 of poweradapter 304. Of course, the communication signals may be the type asreferenced with data structure 400(See FIG. 4).

In step 504, the power adapter 304, via controller 316, may respond tothe source 302 poll with a message requesting that power be suppliedthereof. In step 506, upon receiving the power adapter's request forpower, the source 302 may request information or power parameters fromthe power adapter 304, such as the required voltage and maximum powerrequirement. Nevertheless, the inductive power source 302 can requestother information relevant to the power adapter 304, such as a poweradapter ID number, and serial number and the like. This information canbe used for security, data integrity, or other purposes. In step 508,the power adapter 304 transmits the requested information. In step 510,the source 302, via controller 308, determines if it can supply therequested voltage and power to the power adapter 304. In step 512, ifthe source 302 cannot supply the requested voltage and/or power, thenthe source 302 can change to the polling mode. Alternatively, if thesource 302 can provide the voltage and/or power, then the process flowsto step 514 for the powering receiving mode.

After the negotiation process, optionally, in step 516, when the poweradapter 304 is receiving power from inductive power source 302, thecontroller 316 may report to the host device 100, via the communicationsbus 328, that it is receiving external power and the power state. In onecase, the controller 316 can report that the external power is from aninductive power source, rather than a standard utility power. In sucharrangement, a visual indication of the inductive power arrangement maybe provided in the form of a graphical icon configured to operate withan appropriate event-driven operating system or in an SMBus arrangement.Thus, a graphical user interface can have a display portion relevant tothe type of power being received, e.g., inductive power. In the contextof the present invention, a displayed “object” may include text,graphics, and other related elements for a display, such as monitor 107or display surface 202(See FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively). When power fromthe source is lost, the power adapter returns to its listening mode.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example communication powering process accordingto one or more aspects of the present invention to enable communicationbetween a power source and the power adapter. In one arrangement,inductive power source 302 and power adapter 304 may be configured forwireless data communications as well as energy transfer based onauthentication information thereby forming a trusted energy transferarrangement. This trusted energy transfer arrangement is useful toprevent unauthorized use of an inductive power source. Also the trustedenergy transfer arrangement prevents a computer virus from infecting thesmart controller 316 or the host device 100 via the information storesand data transmission pathways between the host device 100 andcontroller 316. Additionally, this trusted arrangement can preventunwanted power from being transmitted to metallic objects, such aswriting instruments, beverage cans and staplers, which may be placed inclose proximity to a power source.

To start the process, in step 600, the inductive power source 302, in alow power or broadcast mode, polls for compatible devices through one ormore of the power transmission coils 312 and listens for replies fromthe devices, such as power adapter 304. In step 602, in the listeningmode, the power adapter 304, via controller 316, is configured to listenfor a power source through the power pickup coil 324. Once thetransmission coil 312 and pickup coil 324 are in close enough proximityto establish communications and inductive coupling, the communicationsignals received by the pickup coil 324 are de-modulated by the modem308 and routed to the power adapter 304 controller 316. In step 604, thepower adapter 304 may respond to the source 302 poll with a messagerequesting that power be supplied thereof. In step 606, upon receivingthe power adapter's request for power, the inductive power source 302may request for a security certificate or digital signature from thepower adapter 304 to authenticate it. The security certification ordigital signature may be stored in the computer readable storage of thecontroller 308. In step 608, if power adapter 304 has a certificate orsignature, the power adapter 304 transmits it to the source 302. In step610, if the power adapter 304 is authenticated, the source 302 suppliesthe requested voltage and power as shown in step 612. During thepowering process, the source 302 may periodically poll the power adapter304, and if no response is received or inductive coupling is removed,the source 302 changes state from the powering mode to return to thepolling mode. In step 610, if the power adapter 304 is notauthenticated, or the source 302 cannot supply the requested voltage orpower, the source 302 may remain in low power mode, and the source 302may return to polling mode. Nevertheless, steps any or all of steps500-516 in FIG. 5 can be implemented in the process shown in FIG. 6.

Alternative Power Systems

An alternative the inductive power system 700 is illustrated in FIG. 7.Inductive power system 700 components may include an inductive powersource 702 that wirelessly provides electrical power to a power adapter704. In the inductive power system 700, communications between theinductive power source 702 and power adapter 704 may be accomplished viaan antenna and transceiver arrangement. A transceiver 705, 707 may beoperatively coupled to an antenna 709, 711 for receiving andtransmitting a wireless communication payload for both the inductivepower source 702 and the power adapter 704. Any or all features andfunctions, subsystems shown in FIG. 3 can be implemented in the powersystem 700 shown in FIG. 7. For example, transceiver 705, 707 arerespectively operatively coupled to a controller of inductive powersource 702, and controller of power adapter 704, respectively. Powerpickup coil 724 can receive inductive energy from the power transmissioncoil 712 of inductive source 702.

In one arrangement, a communications radio link 713 in accordance withthe Bluetooth™ Global Specification for wireless connectivity may beimplemented to transmit power information between the inductive powersource 702 and power adapter 704. It should be appreciated thatconventional Bluetooth™ technology was introduced to provideconnectivity between portable devices like mobile phones, laptops,personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other nomadic devices up to arange of approximately 100 meters. Bluetooth-enabled devices operate inan unlicensed Instrumentation, Scientific, Medical (ISM) band at 2.4GHz. This system uses frequency-hopping to enable the construction oflow-power, low-cost radio devices with a small footprint. TheBluetooth-enabled devices transmit and receive on 79 different hopfrequencies from 2402 to 2480 MHz, switching between one hop frequencyto another in a pseudo-random sequence, 1600 times a second. The grossdata rate is 1 Mb/s. A time-division duplex scheme is used forfull-duplex transmission. In another example, a communication link 713may be a widely available communication standard, such as the InfraredData Association (“IrDA”) specification and protocols. This wirelesscommunication protocol provide low-cost, short-range, cross-platform,point-to-point communications at various transfer rates for devicesemploying the standardize protocol. There are various suppliers ofcompatible hardware for transceivers and interfacing software modules toimplement for the battery charger assembly 304 and inductive powersource 302.

An example inductive power system 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8.Inductive power system 800 components may include an inductive powersource 802 that wirelessly provides electrical power to a power adapterattach to the host device 100 embodied as a laptop computer. It shouldbe noted that any or all of the features, subsystems, and functions ofinductive power source 302 and 702 may be included in the inductivepower source 802. As shown in FIG. 8, the host device 100 is placed on awork surface 803 of a table 805. The work surface may have top surfaceand a bottom surface. In one arrangement, the inductive power source 302can be physically mounted underneath the work surface 803 on the bottomsurface. Alternatively, the inductive power source 802 may be disposedinside the work surface 803 so that the source 802 is generally recessedtherein, e.g., slightly underneath the top surface. This configurationallows the source 302 to be located at a short distance from the poweradapter for maximum efficiency of energy transfer and inductivecoupling. Alternatively, the inductive charging source 302 may be placedon the top surface instead of being embedded. Nevertheless, multiplepower sources can be provided on or with the work surface. This allowsfor multiple mobile devices to be charged in the same location. Thus,users with laptop computers or tablet computers can place the devices onthe work surface and external power can be automatically provided to thepower adapters. The users need not worry about the amount of powercapacity in batteries or attempt to find an area to plug in the computerwith power cords. This is particularly useful in working environmentsduring long meetings when the mobile computers are used for electronicmail, typing, handwriting, web-browsing, presentations, data searchingor other tasks. Further, while a work surface has been described, theinductive power source can be provided in a wide range of apparatus,including lecterns, desks, vehicles, and the like.

An alternative inductive power source 902 is illustrated in FIG. 9. Theinductive power source 902 wirelessly provides electrical power to apower adapter 304(see FIG. 3) based on a regional proximity arrangementof transmission coils. It should be noted that any or all of thefeatures, subsystems, and functions of inductive power source 302 and702 may be included in the inductive power source 902 shown in FIG. 9.For example, inductive power source 902 is configured with powertransmission coils 912 which are the same as coils 312 shown in FIG. 3.In operation, the inductive power source 302 may listen for devicesequipped with an inductive power adapter within proximity of at leastsome of the power transfer coils 912. The inductive charging source 302may perform the polling operation in a sequential fashion, making eachpower transfer coil 912 an independent node. This independent nodearrangement enables multiple devices to be powered by inductive powersource 902. The multiple power adapters may have different powerrequirements which can be handled by the source 902. For example, apersonal digital assistant has different requirements that a tabletcomputer.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, in one arrangement, an inductivepower adapter, such as adapter 304, in range of the source 902 maywirelessly negotiate and transmit power requirements, such as maximumpower rate (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Once the negotiation is complete, theinductive power source 902 may energize the coil 912 closest to thepower adapter and inductively transfer power to the host device 100 inaccordance with device requirements provided to the source 902. Itshould be recognized that the power adapter pickup coil and source powertransfer coil 902 is referred to as the closest for regional proximity.The regional proximity arrangement can be implemented within source 902by measurement of the strength of the inductive coupling between thepower coil 912 and pick up coil of the power adapter. For example, whenthe power adapter is placed on the source 902, the controller andsensing circuitry within the source 902 can determine a load of therespective coil or flux density. This arrangement solves several safetydrawbacks associated with high field inductive power systems andpromotes the use of sophisticated mobile electronics with varying powerrequirements serviceable through a common inductive power source.

Referring to FIG. 3, in one alternative arrangement, inductive powersource 302 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer109 shown in FIG. 1. The remote computer 109 may be a server, a router,a network PC, a peer device, or other common network node. The logicalconnections depicted in FIG. 1 that can be implemented with inductivepower source 302 may include a local area network (LAN) 112 and a widearea network (WAN) 113. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.In a networked configuration, the inductive power source 302 is enabledto receive data associated with the power adapter 304, and transmit thisdata for trusted energy communications. For example, the remote computer109 may be associated with a source entity that may retain data, such aspower adapter ID numbers, serial numbers, manufacturer's names and dateof manufactures of various power adapters. This information can be usedfor data integrity and security. Further, the source entity may includedigital certificate information or a digital signature and transmitthose items to the inductive power source 302 as requested. This datacan be used as depicted in FIG. 6 for authentication for trusted energytransfer arrangement.

Inductive power arrangements provide user convenience by enablingwireless power to mobile computing devices and communications devices.To maximize the flexibility, efficiency and/or safety of these inductivepower solutions, communication between the source and the devices may beestablished to exchange parameters and protocols. The communication mayalso provide for authentication of devices that are allowed by thesource to be provided with power and devices placed in close proximityto the power source. This prevents virus infections and effectivelycloses a backdoor for computer viruses. There is no need to search foran electrical plug location that may be in inconvenient places. Thehazards related to power cords are eliminated. There is no need to carrysupplemental power battery packs to replace the depleted energy of abattery. And the inconvenience of carrying additional battery packs iseliminated. Thus, the mobile computing user receives the freedom forportable computing and protection from computer viruses which mayattempt to infect the power adapter controller or the coupled hostdevice during data transmission or energy transfer.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and examplescontain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understoodas notorious by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the aspects maybe implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).Those, however, skilled in the art will recognize that the embodimentsdisclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implementedin standard Integrated Circuits, as a computer program running on acomputer, as a program running on a processor, as firmware, or asvirtually any combination thereof and that designing the circuitryand/or writing the code for the software or firmware would be wellwithin the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in light of thisdisclosure.

Although the invention has been defined using the appended claims, theseclaims are exemplary in that the invention may be intended to includethe elements and steps described herein in any combination or subcombination. Accordingly, there are any number of alternativecombinations for defining the invention, which incorporate one or moreelements from the specification, including the description, claims, anddrawings, in various combinations or sub combinations. It will beapparent to those skilled in the relevant technology, in light of thepresent specification, that alternate combinations of aspects of theinvention, either alone or in combination with one or more elements orsteps defined herein, may be utilized as modifications or alterations ofthe invention or as part of the invention. It may be intended that thewritten description of the invention contained herein covers all suchmodifications and alterations.

1. An apparatus for transmitting inductive energy to a power adapter inproximity thereof, the power adapter including a microprocessor forprocessing data relevant to the inductive energy, the apparatuscomprising: a memory for storing computer readable instructions relevantto providing inductive energy to a power adapter; a processor unitoperatively coupled to the memory; and a transmission elementoperatively coupled to the processor unit so as to provide the inductiveenergy to the power adapter; and a housing for enclosing the memory andprocessor unit therein.
 2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, inwhich the memory includes authentication data for authenticating thepower adapter for the inductive energy transmission.
 3. The apparatus inaccordance with claim 1, further comprising a communications device forreceiving and transmitting data and the communications device beingoperatively coupled to the transmission element.
 4. The apparatus inaccordance with claim 1, further comprising an antenna and acommunications device configured to receive the computer readableinstructions and configured to transmit the instructions to the antennafor wireless data communications to a power adapter.
 5. The apparatus inaccordance with claim 1, in which the processor unit is configured toreceive a plurality of power parameters from the power adapter.
 6. Theapparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which the processor unit isconfigured to receive a digital security certificate from a poweradapter.
 7. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprisinga plurality of transmission elements responsive to a power adapter. 8.An apparatus configured for receiving inductive energy, comprising: amemory for storing computer readable data relevant to receiving theinductive energy; a processor unit for processing the computer readabledata and for processing data communications with a computer system; acoil configured for receiving inductive energy; a power supplyoperatively coupled to the processor unit and the coil; the power supplyconfigured to output a direct current responsive to the inductiveenergy; and a housing for enclosing the memory, the processor unit, andthe power supply therein.
 9. The apparatus in accordance with claim 8,in which the processor unit is configured to provide authentication datafor inductive energy reception.
 10. The apparatus in accordance withclaim 8, further comprising a communications device operatively coupledto the coil.
 11. The apparatus in accordance with claim 10, in which thecommunications device is configured to receive the computer readabledata and transmit the data to the coil.
 12. The apparatus in accordancewith claim 8, in which the processor unit is configured to provide aplurality of power parameters to a power source which provides theinductive energy.
 13. The apparatus in accordance with claim 8, in whichthe processor unit is configured to provide a digital securitycertificate to a power source.
 14. The apparatus in accordance withclaim 8, in which the processor unit is configured to send data to thecomputer system so as to indicate it is receiving inductive energy. 15.The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, further comprising an antennaand a communications device configured to receive the computer readabledata and configured to transmit the data to the antenna for wirelessdata communications to a power source.
 16. A computer implemented methodof providing inductive energy to a power adapter, comprising the stepof: wirelessly receiving a polling message from a source; transmitting arequest for power to the source; and receiving inductive power from thesource.
 17. The method in accordance with claim 16, in which the step oftransmitting includes a step of transmitting power parameters to thesource.
 18. The method in accordance with claim 16, in which the step oftransmitting includes a step of transmitting authenticating data to thesource.
 19. The method in accordance with claim 16, further including astep of converting the inductive power to a direct current responsive tothe step of receiving.
 20. The method in accordance with claim 16,further including a step of transmitting data to a computer system forindicating the step of receiving inductive power.
 21. The method inaccordance with claim 16, further including a step of displaying anobject on a graphical user interface indicative of the step ofreceiving.
 22. A computer readable medium having computer executableinstructions thereon for performing steps comprising: receiving apolling message from a source; transmitting a request for power to thesource; and receiving inductive power from the source.
 23. The computerreadable medium in accordance with claim 22, in which the step oftransmitting includes a step of transmitting power parameters to thesource.
 24. The computer readable medium in accordance with claim 22, inwhich the step of transmitting includes a step of transmittingauthenticating data to the source.
 25. The computer readable medium inaccordance with claim 22, in which the step of transmitting includes astep of transmitting authenticating data to the source.
 26. A computersystem, comprising: a processor; a display coupled to the processor; anda memory coupled to the processor, the memory configured to storecomputer executable instructions, wherein said instructions cause thecomputer system to perform the following steps: receiving an eventrelevant to inductively powering a power adapter; and responsive to saidreceiving, adjusting a portion of a display to indicate said event. 27.The computer system in accordance with claim 26, in which the step ofadjusting include a step of displaying a graphical object on thedisplay.